RANKED: The 10 most successful superhero movies ever

While they've been with us for a long time, with blockbusters along the way (Superman in the 1970s and Batman through the 1980s, '90s, and '00s), the superhero genre didn't become the many-tentacled beast it is today until Marvel realized the possibilities of its movie universe under Disney.

"The Avengers," in retrospect, was an expensive gamble (for the actors' salaries alone), but it has paid off handsomely even if critics don't always love the franchise's movies. At the same time, DC Comics has struggled to keep up with its major competitor.

"Suicide Squad," DC's latest, is reviled by critics, and it is projected to have a steep drop-off this weekend after a record August opening, which will most likely keep it off the list of the most prized superhero movies.

Below are the highest-grossing superhero movies at the domestic box office of all time: